Feminist protest disrupts archbishop's talk in Brussels

April 24, 2013

Four bare-breasted feminist demonstrators interrupted a lecture by Archbishop André-Marie Leonard of Brussels on April 23, and soaked the prelate with water.

The topless protesters, members of the radical group Femen, wore jeans and boots, and had slogans painted across their chests. They carried water bottles, with which they soaked the archbishop before being removed.

Ironically, Archbishop Leonard was speaking at a conference on blasphemy and the limits of religious freedom.

The Catholic bishops of Belgium issued a statement expressing dismay at the incident and “solidarity with our colleague.” The bishops’ statement noted that “a democratic debate on social questions is not possible unless it allows everyone to expound his ideas with mutual respect and freedom of expression.”

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

Did anyone notice that the provocation against the bishop occurred in Brussels but that the slogans on the females were mostly in English.

Posted by: Nuage -
Apr. 24, 2013 7:53 PM ET USA

Thank you for posting this news story. This is a particularly vicious act of violence. I hope that the women who did this were arrested. They are a danger to society.

Posted by: jg23753479 -
Apr. 24, 2013 7:13 PM ET USA

There is nothing surprising about this. These people and their ilk both here and in Europe take their cue from fascist tactics in the 20s and 30s. And their 'thinking' isn't all that more respectable than the fascists' either.

Stay in Touch!

Subscribe to Insights

Stay on top of the latest Catholic news and analysis from CatholicCulture.org.